Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I first want to thank Brian, Rob, and Tom for your repsonses to my post (below).

In addition I want to support the idea of using homeopathic remedies to treat RI conditions, as opposed to antibiotics. I generally oppose the use of any antibiotics, even in people, unless absolutely necessary. So, I wasn't comfortable in the first place with giving him (my burm) antibiotics when the vet recommended it.

Also, I have seen that simply raising humidity (along with the requisite temps) has a profound positive effect on the health and disposition of my burm. My problem with this is that my house is very dry now (winter here in Massachusetts). It is very difficult to keep humidity up during these dry months.

To date I have been using a method of placing a pad of water soaked paper towels directly onto the heating pad in his cage(which is a Kane mat). The heat from the heating mat evaporates the water, which in turn is very effective at raising the humidity in the cage. This is nearly ideal, since it allows my house to stay dry and mold free while keeping his house 'moist' (I clean cages with bleach solution weekly to stay clean). except for a couple of short-comings.

Here are the problems I have with this humidifying method: for one, it's not a controlled method - it humidifies to x% (as high as 95% is even easy), but does not give me the ability to 'dial in' a set humidity level. And secondly, it doesn't last long. If I'm not around it will dry out rather quickly - so I have to refresh it two or three times daily. Missing this leaves him dry. I do try to not let it dry out, but often I'm a busy person (as I know we all can be) - so I need something more 'independant'.

This brings me to my current issue: what can I set up to maintain humidity well. I just read the posts below about humidity, so I'll be checking out those systems. I've also considered just setting up a 'drip line', similar to an IV drip used in hospitals. I don't know yet.

We'll see how this one works out.

Thanks,
- Mark

What type of cage do you use? I, too, experience the same challenges (I'm in Chicago) so we are always tinkering around with humidity levels. Our exhibit animals reside in either Habitat Systems cages or Crescent Moon Creation cages; both of which do a fantastic job in maintaining optimal humidity levels. We incorporate pro product radiant heat panels and pro product misting systems into our cage designs and this is really the key to our success....haven't had a single RI problem since using these products. If you don't have the resources for this type of set up, and, since I am not sure how big this burm is, you can provide a humidity shelter which is nothing more than a plastic storage box filled with dampened sphagnum moss with a hole on the lid for access...this can be placed towards the warm end so that the snake can lie in a high humid environment w/out having to worry about keeping the entire cage at optimal levels.

I had the same problem as you with humidity in the winter. My RH actually dropped to 10% during certain parts of the winter. Manually misting the cage a few times a day was not practical and only helps out for a few minutes. I bought a fogger and put it on a timer to be on for a few times a day in 15 minute increments. Not only can this boost your humidity to as high as you want it (can probably get close to 90% in half an hour), but it gives a wonderful visual effect. Its great. You can also use a misting system, BigAppleHerp has some that look good.